Muzzleloader

Range Rules

1. Any muzzle loading rifle, pistol, or shotgun that complies with the Range Safety regulations of this club and loads from the muzzle, or into the chamber of a revolver’s cylinder is permitted.
2. Firearms will be carried between the loading benches and firing line with the muzzle above the shooters’ head and pointed directly up. (Exception: pistol shooters and bench shooters need not keep the muzzle above the shooter’s head.)
3. During this safe time you may tend to go down range and post and retrieve targets and all firearms on the firing line will be positioned safely and not touched. Rifles must be placed with the butt plate on the ground with the barrel pointed up and leaned against the loading bench; pistols will be placed on the loading bench with the barrel pointed muzzle up.
4. There will be NO blowing down the barrel of any firearm at anytime in any manner that requires placing the head in front of the muzzle. A flexible blow tube may be used at the shooter’s option, provided that the shooter’s head is not placed in front of the muzzle.
5. All flintlock firearms must be loaded with the frizzen and hammer in the forward position.
6. Swabbing between shots with a damp patch to eliminate the possibility of glowing embers igniting the next powder charge is strongly recommended.
7. All false muzzles must be attached by a cord or similar device so that the firearm may not be placed in a normal firing position without first removing the false muzzle from the barrel.
8. Shooters may cap/prime only on the firing line or designated area with the muzzle pointed downrange.
9. No loaded firearm shall be taken from the firing line.
10. Extreme caution must be used, including reasonable care to inform neighboring shooters. The removal of a ball or bullet must be done in such a manner that there is no danger to persons or property. The use of a CO2 ball discharger is highly recommended and is considered the safest method of ball removal.
11. Projectile is patched round ball except as noted in program or special rules.
12. Patching shall be of cloth or paper from natural fibers only, unless the match rules specifically state otherwise.
13. The use of plastic sabots in rifles and/or pistols and plastic wads and shot sleeves in shotguns are permitted.
14. Any safe lubrication may be used at the shooter’s option.
15. Propellant to be black powder or any BATF approved black powder substitute only.
16. A separate powder measure or holder will be used to carry the powder charge from container to the muzzle of the gun. Charging directly from horn or flask is unsafe and is not permitted.
17. There will not be any open containers of powder on the firing line or loading benches of any range.
18. Triggers must be of the pull type. Triggers that function on delay, release, or electronic or hydraulic mechanisms are prohibited. Ignition must be one of the following; Flint stone or substitute, excluding metal, striking frizzen; Old type percussion cap that fits on the nipple; Primers may be used in all slug guns, and in-line actions in designated matches; Frizzens must be faced with steel soles only; Wheel locks with old type of ignition; Tube locks, pill locks, and Maynard tape primers may be used in or on an unaltered original.